Stress, as you probably already know, isn't very good for us. Stress can cause insomnia, restlessness, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression, the list goes on and on.

Many of the things that bring stress to our lives are unavoidable: work, social interactions, family stresses, finances, etc. So what can one do to bring more peace into their life and counteract some of that harmful stress?

Here are 4 things you can start right now:

1. Take 10 minutes out of your morning to just be. You don't have to sit in a special way or close your eyes or speak a mantra. Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea and stare out the window. Let yourself become present. Feel the warmth of your cup, the feel of your feet on the floor, pay attention to what you can see and feel.

2. Take a quick yoga break, 5 - 10 minutes will do for now. Pick a few relaxing poses (child's pose, savasana, a supine twist, legs up the wall) and take a few minutes to do them, take your time, move slowly, and focus on your breath.

3. Take a moment to evaluate your life and be grateful for all of the wonderful things that you are and all of the wonderful things you are experiencing. Sometimes, when we are stressed about what we don't have, it helps to remember what we do have. Just take this moment to let go of your worries, no matter how important they are, just let yourself relax fully in this moment.

4. Sign up for my Stress Relief Workshop, starting in January 2016, every third Sunday from 11:45am - 1:15pm at Yoga 4 Peace in Southgate. The first one will be held on January 17, 2016. I hope to see you there!Namaste,Erin